Professionals (Calderdale)

We asked the young people at our focus group what it is they would like professionals be more aware of. You can see their responses below.

Be supportive regardless of your personal views & opinions

Unless you need to, don’t ask my sexuality, just see the person in front of you

Be more aware of triggers

Confidentiality is REALLY important

Do not assume my gender

Ask me for my pronouns and tell me yours

Create a confidential space and environment for me

You can engage with us differently, it doesn’t have to be face-to-face. Text, group chat & email are all good

Be available when we need you, we don’t live 9-5

Think about how you present information. If we have additional needs, we may need info in a different colour. We may like information and support in language other than English

More representation in materials & info, paper based and websites. We need to see us

As above but from a young age & in lessons at school

Make sure all your contact details are up to date, keep info current & relevant

Keep information easy to read and take in

Keep your training up to date, we are probably seeing you for help with something else. We don’t want to have to explain to you what the T stands for first

This is not a trend any more than your sexual or gender identity is

Glossary of terms

There are lots of terms that are now used within the LGBT community. Ask questions if you are unsure which terms are correct, apologise if you get it wrong and attempt to make the person you are supporting know that you are trying your best. A useful list of terms can be found below.